Understanding how pathogenic streptococci sense and respond to metal intoxication

The streptococci encompass a plethora of bacteria that inhabit the human body and usually live co-operatively with us as commensals. Some streptococci, however, switch from being good bacteria to being bad bacteria, transforming into opportunistic pathogens that cause harm. They do this by securing an advantage, such as by evading immune surveillance or by resisting the ways in which our bodies normally destroy pathogens, including by exploiting antimicrobial metal ions. Intriguingly, little is known about how certain bacteria detected metals at the molecular level or how streptococci can respond to a changing environment within the body. To address these important questions, this project will study Group B streptococcus, an opportunistic pathogen of the young and old, to develop an understanding of how bacteria resist metal intoxication imposed by the host.